Convertible backpack-duffle bag system and method of use

ABSTRACT

A convertible backpack-duffle bag having six integral side walls forming an inner storage cavity, a plurality of storage compartments located on or within the side walls, one of the integral side walls forming a base, an expandable storage compartment located at the base, the expandable storage compartment having a thermal insulation layer, and a plurality of adjustable carry straps.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a duffle bag system and methods of use. More specifically, the invention is related to a system and method for the use of an insulated duffle bag that has an expandable compartment and adjustable carrying strap system.

2. Description of Related Art

Systems and methods for duffle bags are well known in the art. At times, it is required to pack food and clothing items in a portable carrying case for travel, whether on foot, bus, car or airplane. FIG. 1 shows a standard duffle bag system 101 having a single shoulder strap 105, with a main compartment 103. The side of the duffle bag is shown having a side pocket 107 and a longitudinal zipper pocket 109.

One of the problems commonly associated with process 101 is the limited use. For example, many duffle bags have only one main compartment and it is hard to locate important items when they have gotten lost in with the rest of the items carried in the duffle bag.

Additionally, a duffle bag system, by design, can only be carried effectively over the shoulder limiting the use of the arms and hands of a person using the bag. While the duffle bag system provide means of transporting items in the main compartment no customized of item specific accommodations are provided for.

Although great strides have been made in the area of duffle bag systems and methods of use, many shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view schematic of a conventional duffle bag system;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a convertible backpack-duffle bag system and method of the present invention in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the opposite side of the system of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are side views of the expanding compartment of FIG. 2 in use;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the base of the system of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are top and bottom side views of the system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the removeable cushion of the system of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are front views of the inside lining of the system of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 10 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the system of FIG. 2.

While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The system and method of use in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional systems and methods of duffle bags. Specifically, the invention of the present application enables the carrying of a bag with or without the use of the hands of parson. In addition, the invention combines the functionality of the bag with items specific accommodations to improve the efficiency of thereof. Unique features of the system and method of use are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 2-7 depict various views of a convertible backpack-duffle bag system 201 and method of use in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that system 201 overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with the conventional duffle bags systems.

In the contemplated embodiment, system 201 includes an expandable bottom compartment 207, a variety of storage pockets, and adjustable carrying straps 507, 509 to overcome the problems commonly associated with conventional duffle bags.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a side view of convertible backpack-duffle bag system 201 is shown having a first side 203, a second side 205, a base 223, a first long side 225, and a top side 227, which together with a second long side, form an inner storage cavity. The inner storage cavity comprises the main storage compartment of the system. The main storage compartment is accessed via a U-shaped heavy-duty zipper located on the top side 227. The top side 227 is shown having adjustable straps 209 and 211 configured to fasten to the ends of removeable carrying straps. The extra length of the adjustable straps is stored away in the main storage compartment so as to remain out of the way when not in use. The adjustable straps 209 and 211 are shown having fasteners 213 and 215 attached thereto. The other end of the adjustable straps 209 and 211 are securely fastened to the body of the system 201 so that they cannot be completely removed. The first long side 225 is shown having flap pocket 217, middle webbing 221, two side zipper pockets 229, 231 and a main zipper pocket 219.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the reverse side of the convertible backpack-duffle bag system 201 is shown having a second long side 301 which houses a plurality of storage pockets. The second long side 301 is shown having a flap pocket 303 and a zipper pocket 305. The top side 227 is shown having adjustable straps 210 and 212 with their respective fasteners 214 and 216. These storage compartments and pockets, along with those housed on the first long side 225 are designed for easy access for phone, water bottle, and other important items such as travel documents and identification.

Referring now to FIG. 4A and 4B, the convertible backpack-duffle bag system 201 with the expandable bottom compartment 207 shown being unzipped as depicted by motion A and expanded as depicted my motion B. The zipper at the bottom of the backpack is used to expand the bag for additional depth and space. This creates extra storage space when needed. In the preferred embodiment, the bottom expandable compartment 207 is lined with a thermal insulation layer so that food items may be stored in a temperature controlled environment. In an alternate embodiment, the bottom expandable compartment 207 may be composed of a thinner, more flexible material suitable for storing clothes.

In one embodiment, the maximum dimensions of the convertible backpack-duffle bag 201 could be 9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches so as to comply with standard carry-on luggage restrictions. With the bottom expandable compartment unzipped, and fully expanding, the height of the convertible backpack-duffle bag may be up to 13 inches.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a top view of the top side 227 of the convertible backpack-duffle bag system 201 is shown. The fasteners or buckles 215 and 213 have a include a first carry strap 501 attached thereto at each end thereof. The fasteners or buckles 214 and 216 include a second carry strap 503 attached thereto at each end thereof. The carry straps 501, 503 each have a handle portion 505 and 507 respectively. The carry straps 501, 503 have an adjustable waist strap 509 between them. It will be appreciated that in this manner the system 201 can be carried as a duffle bag or as a backpack. It is contemplated and will be appreciated that the adjustable straps 209, 210, 211, 212 and the carry straps 501, 503 could be of any configuration that enables the system 201 to be convertible between a duffle bag and backpack.

The carry straps 501, 503 are designed specifically to be adjustable for functionality and individual height and length requirements and needs. Both sides of the carry straps 501, 503 are designed for comfort of a person's shoulder when the duffle bag is used as a backpack. The carry straps 501, 503 may be configured to have padding with a bottom portion of the strap having a slip-grip material.

This configuration of the carrying straps is advantageous because there are four individual attachments or adjustable straps 209-212 located at each of the four corners of the top side 227 of the convertible backpack-duffle bag system 201. Each corner or individual attachment is designed with its own buckle to release and shorten or elongate the shoulder straps to the desired comfort of the individual when is use as a backpack. The extra length of the adjustable straps is configured to be hidden within the interior of the main storage compartment and slide through an opening in the seam. Additionally, the design with the Velcro strap allows for the straps to configure for a single shoulder strap as use as a side-carried duffle bag.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the base 223 of the convertible backpack-duffle bag system 201 is shown having a designated area for a logo 601. When the convertible backpack-duffle bag 201 is worn as a backpack, the logo can be clearly seen by observers. The base 223 is comprised of a removeable cushion 801 as shown in FIG. 8.

Referring now to FIG. 7a , the bottom side 203 of the convertible backpack-duffle bag system is shown. It is used as the bottom of the convertible backpack-duffle bag when in the backpack configuration. In an alternate embodiment, the bottom side 203 could further comprise a hidden zipper for additional storage or an external charger for smartphones. Referring to FIG. 7b , the top shoe compartment 205 is shown. The shoe compartment is configured to expand into the interior of the convertible backpack-duffle bag and can keep shoes or soiled articles separate from the items stored in other areas of the convertible backpack-duffle bag. In one contemplated embodiment, the top shoe compartment 205 is comprised of a dry fit material to help with perspiration and/or soil.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, side views of two possible embodiments of the interior side walls of the inner storage cavity of the convertible backpack-duffle bag are shown. FIG. 9A shows side wall system 901 having two mesh pockets 905 and 907 separated by a pocket seam divider 911. Side wall system 903 is shown having a mesh pocket 913 and a pocket 915 configured to securely store an iPad or other electronic device. The device is secured inside the pocket 915 via a strap or fastener 917. These side wall pockets may also be configured to be removeable by snaps or Velcro.

It is contemplated as depicted by FIG. 10 that embodiment 1001 includes an insert 1001 of thermal material to convert the bottom compartment 207 to a temperature-controlled space. It is further contemplated that this insert 1003 could be placed in the main storage compartment and used independently of the bottom compartment 207.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof. 

1. A convertible backpack-duffle bag comprising: six integral side walls forming an inner storage cavity; a plurality of storage compartments located on or within the side walls; wherein one of the integral side walls forms a base; and an expandable storage compartment located at the base; wherein the expandable storage compartment further comprises a thermal insulation layer.
 2. The convertible backpack-duffle bag of claim 1, wherein one of the integral side walls forms a top side configured for carrying the convertible backpack-duffle bag, further comprising: a set of carry straps, wherein each strap has two distal ends; a set of fasteners attached to the distal ends of the carry straps; a plurality of adjustable straps, wherein the extra length of the strap is stored and hidden within inner storage cavity of the convertible backpack-duffle bag; and wherein each adjustable strap comprises a first and a second distal end; the first distal end comprising a joint configured to prevent the adjustable strap from being removed completely from the top side of the convertible backpack-duffle bag; and the second distal end comprising a fastener configured to connect to the fastener located on the carry straps.
 3. The convertible backpack-duffle bag of claim 2, wherein the top side of the convertible backpack-duffle bag is configured as a rectangle and the top side further comprises four adjustable straps located at each of the four corners of the top side.
 4. The convertible backpack-duffle bag of claim 2 further comprising: a center strap located in the middle of one of the carry straps; and a fastener attached to the center strap; wherein the center strap is configured to wrap around the set of carry straps to lock the carry straps into one functional carry strap.
 5. The convertible backpack-duffle bag of claim 2, wherein the carry straps further comprises a non-slip gripping material.
 6. The convertible backpack-duffle bag of claim 2 further comprising: an adjustable waistband strap attached to the set of carry straps.
 7. The convertible backpack-duffle bag of claim 1 wherein one of the integral side walls forms a top shoe storage compartment which may expand into the inner storage cavity of the convertible backpack-duffle bag.
 8. The convertible backpack-duffle bag of claim 1 wherein the base further comprises a removeable cushion.
 9. The convertible backpack-duffle bag of claim 1 wherein the inner storage cavity further comprises: interior side walls; a plurality of mesh storage pockets removeably attached to the interior side walls.
 10. The convertible backpack-duffle bag of claim 9 further comprising a storage compartment configured to securely store an iPad or other electronic device.
 11. The convertible backpack-duffle bag of claim 1, further comprising: an external charger for smart phones or other electronic devices.
 12. The convertible backpack-duffle bag of claim 1, wherein the six integral walls form a container having dimensions of 9 inches by 14 inches by 22 inches.
 13. The convertible backpack-duffle bag of claim 1 wherein one of the integral walls further comprises a logo or other identifying information. 